Maternity by Joan Miró

Maternity

Joan Miró · 1924

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“Stop to see how Joan Miró transforms the intimate bond of "Maternity" into a surreal, floating vision. This painting invites you to explore the subconscious mind through its dreamlike figures and symbolic connections.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

In "Maternity," Joan Miró conjures a dreamlike vision of motherhood, a hallmark of his surrealist period. The central figure, a mother, is composed of swirling, organic shapes and bold lines, her form almost dissolving into the surrounding space. A tiny, schematic child floats nearby, connected to her by a delicate thread, perhaps an umbilical cord or a symbolic bond. The background is a stark, almost empty canvas, drawing all attention to the floating figures and their ethereal connection. This work, created in 1924, reflects Miró's deep interest in the subconscious mind and his rejection of conventional painting, favoring a more personal, symbolic language. The simplified forms and vibrant yet limited color palette create a sense of intimacy and wonder, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound mystery of creation.

DETAILS
Artist
Joan Miró
Date
1924
Location
National Galleries Scotland
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Maternity
01

The mother's head, a simple circle with a single eye, suggests a primal awareness.

02

The tiny child, almost like a pictogram, hovers near the mother's chest.

03

Notice the delicate, almost invisible line connecting the mother and child.

04

The vibrant red sphere at the mother's side, a burst of energy in the composition.

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THE ARTIST

Joan Miró

1893–1983 · Spain

Joan Miró, the Catalan master, sought to 'assassinate painting' by creating a deeply personal, symbolic language that blended Surrealism with a childlike wonder.

Read Miró’s full story
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